Leeds suffered a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the Suncorp Stadium in Australia on Sunday morning – and here are our player ratings from the Yorkshire side’s third pre-season friendly of the summer:
Illan Meslier – 10 (90)
Wow. The Frenchman was incredible. Stopping Philippe Coutinho’s penalty with a strong hand in the air, he got up to stop a certain goal from the rebound. Moments later, another one-handed save to deny Ollie Watkins one on one.
Rasmus Kristensen – 8 (60, replaced by Drameh)
Powerful. For Leeds fans that have watched the Denmark international, it is clear that the right-back is a machine. Wins headers, incredible recovery speed, aggressive, willing to put a tackle in. Just lacked a little in the final third.
Robin Koch – 7 (90)
Staking a real claim to start the Premier League season as first-choice centre-back. Couple of times, the German was caught out but anything in the air, he won. Numerous blocks and tackles. Very strong performance.
Diego Llorente – 6 (45, replaced by Struijk)
Spaniard’s first pre-season start was slightly shaky, making a couple of errors in terms of positioning. Will come with game time but as things stand, it looks like Pascal Struijk is Koch’s best partner in central defence.
Leif Davis – 6 (68, replaced by Hjelde)
Davis currently finds himself as the club’s only fit, natural left-back. Jack Harrison struggled in the role against Brisbane Roar. Despite being a rookie somewhat, Davis was solid and comfortable on the left – without doing anything amazing.
Marc Roca – 7 (60, replaced by Forshaw)
Roca has been the pick of the new signings this summer, so far. But the ex-Bayern man was subdued in the first 30. Aggressive, put a tackle in and improved from then on in, defended Bamford in fracas. Lovely cross to James.
Tyler Adams – 8 (60, replaced by Gray)
Slightly more defensive than Roca, but an excellent start. Very harsh to concede a penalty, replays showing the ball hit his shoulder. Looked energetic, made numerous good passes, lots of tackles. Great engine. Looks a good signing.
Dan James – 6 (60, replaced by Summerville)
Came into the match after a brilliant 30 minutes against Brisbane Roar with confidence high. When he got the ball, kept it well and made things happen – but he should have scored twice, either side of the half-time whistle.
Brenden Aaronson – 7 (60, replaced by Klich)
It is going to take time for the 21-year-old USA international to get things going, especially as a 10. But this was his best showing in a Leeds shirt, linking up nicely at times. Lovely pass into Bamford in the first half.
Jack Harrison – 5 (60, replaced by Sinisterra)
Following his brilliant start against Blackpool, Harrison was poor at left-back against the Roar and was quiet against Villa. Rarely touched the ball, and did little when in possession. Needs to improve going forward.
Patrick Bamford – 7 (60, replaced by Rodrigo)
Good for Bamford to get as many minutes as he did, with the captain’s armband, too. Some lovely runs, nice shot saved by Robin Olsen. Defensively excellent from set-pieces. England star lead by example.
Other notable performances:
Luis Sinisterra – 7 (30)
Looked a bit more comfortable in his second showing. Some nice touches, one lovely turn, nice passing. Aggressive and strong in the tackle. Much more to get excited about, just a few days after Raphinha finally departed.
Archie Gray – 7 (70, replaced by Greenwood)
Only came on for a few minutes – but instantly threw himself into the game with a tackle on Emi Buendia. Brilliant tackle, but shown a yellow. Then, stretchered off after a woeful challenge from John McGinn. Real shame for teen.
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